Wellington: New Zealand leg-spinner Todd Astle has been ruled out of his side’s second and final Test of the two-match series against England due to a side strain.
The 31-year-old sustained the injury while bowling during the opening Test, which New Zealand went on to win by an innings and 49 runs over the Joe Root-led side at Auckland’s Eden Park.
Now, a subsequent scans has confirmed that he would not be ready to play in the final match, beginning at Hagley Oval on Friday.
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Reflecting on the same, New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said that Astle played a major role in helping the Black Caps win the opening Test and that it is quiet unfortunate to miss the services of the leg-spinner.
“Through some incredibly hard work, Todd’s already overcome some injuries this summer, so for this to happen now is a cruel blow. Todd played a major role in helping us win the game at Eden Park, so it’s disappointing for Todd and the team that he’s forced to the sideline ahead of Friday,” the New Zealand Cricket quoted Hesson as saying.
Astle finished with the figures of three for 39 in the second innings at the Eden Park.
In Astle’s absence, Ish Sodhi has been roped in the squad as the leg spinner’s replacement for the final Test.
Sodhi took career-best figures of 12-62 for Northern Districts in the most recent round of the Plunket Shield.
(With ANI inputs)